Heat isn’t the only thing runners have to worry about this summer, smoke from wild fires has made staying active outside dangerous. Precautions must be taken if you if you want to stay safe while running during fire season.
Fire season typically occurs in the summer months when the weather is hot and dry. Wildfires can start from a variety of causes, including lightning strikes, human-caused fires, and natural causes like spontaneous combustion. When a wildfire starts, it can quickly spread out of control, putting people, animals, and property at risk.
Usually, in the US wildfires burn on the west coast and in midwestern states. If they are really large, smoke from those wildfires could impact millions, all the way to the east coast. This year there is added worry from wildfire smoke from Canada. They are having their worst fire season on record, with hundreds of wildfires burning across the country. Now, US states as far south as Ohio and Kentucky are being effected by the smoke, according to the National Weather Service.
Risks of running during wildfire season
Running during fire season can be dangerous for several reasons.
- First, the smoke from a wildfire can be hazardous to your health if you’re a runner. As mentioned before, this year has been particularly difficult due to smoke from the Canada wildfires drifting into the US. Millions of people from the Midwest to the East Coast have been under air quality alerts because of the smoke from those wildfires in recent months.
Smoke can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, making it difficult to breathe. It can also exacerbate existing respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis. Running in smoky conditions can cause long-term damage to your lungs and overall health.
- Second, running during a wildfire can put you at risk of being caught in the fire. Wildfires can spread quickly, and it can be difficult to predict the direction they will take.
If you are running in an area where a wildfire is burning, you could find yourself in the path of the fire. This can be extremely dangerous and potentially deadly.
- Third, running during a wildfire can hinder firefighting efforts. If you are running in an area where a wildfire is burning, you could inadvertently interfere with firefighting efforts.
Firefighters need clear access to the area, and running can create obstacles that prevent them from doing their job effectively.
Despite these risks, many runners still choose to run during fire season. If you are one of these runners, there are several things you can do to mitigate the risks and stay safe.
How to stay safe running during fire season
- Check the air quality before you go for your run during fire season. You can do this by visiting the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow website, which provides real-time air quality information for your area. You can also get this information from your local news provider. If the air quality is poor, it is best to avoid running outdoors. Instead, consider running on a treadmill or using an indoor track.
- Plan your route carefully during fire season if you want to go for a run. Check for any wildfires in the area and avoid running near them. It is also a good idea to avoid running in areas where there is a lot of dry brush or other combustible materials. Stick to well-maintained trails or roads, and avoid running in remote areas where there may not be access to help if you need it.
- Monitor the weather conditions when running during fire season. If there is a high risk of wildfires in your area, it is best to avoid running altogether. If you do decide to go for a run, make sure you are aware of any changes in the weather conditions. If the wind shifts and the fire starts to move in your direction, it is important to be able to react quickly.
- Carry a cell phone with you if you run outside during fire season. If you do get caught in a wildfire, you may need to call for help. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and that you have a signal. Consider carrying a portable charger or an extra battery to ensure that you can stay connected if you need to.
- Be aware of your surroundings when running during fire season. If you see smoke or flames in the distance, it is important to be aware of the potential danger. If you hear sirens or see emergency vehicles, it may be a sign that there is a wildfire in the area. If you are unsure about the situation, it is best to turn around and head back the way you came.
- Staying hydrated is important when running during this time. Running during fire season can be hot and dry, so it is important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your run. Consider carrying a water bottle or a hydration pack with you to ensure you have access to water at all times.
- If you’re going running during fire season wear appropriate clothing. When running in smoky conditions, it is important to wear clothing that covers your skin. This can help protect your skin from the irritants in the smoke. It is also a good idea to wear a hat or a visor to protect your face and eyes from the sun.
- Finally, listen to your body if you run outside during fire season. If you start to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous during your run, it is important to stop and rest. These symptoms can be a sign of heat exhaustion or dehydration, both of which can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, find a shady spot to rest and drink plenty of water.
Indoor exercises during fire season
If you are unable to run outdoors during fire season or if you prefer to exercise indoors, there are many alternative forms of exercise that you can try.
- Indoor cycling: If you enjoy cycling, consider using an indoor stationary bike. You can adjust the resistance and incline to simulate outdoor cycling and get a great cardiovascular workout.
- Yoga or Pilates: Both yoga and Pilates are low-impact exercises that can help improve flexibility, balance, and strength. There are many online resources available that offer free or low-cost classes.
- HIIT workouts: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise that involves short bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest. You can do HIIT workouts at home with just your bodyweight or with minimal equipment.
- Dance classes: Dancing is a fun way to get your heart rate up and improve your coordination and balance. There are many online dance classes available for different styles like salsa, hip-hop, and Bollywood.
- Strength training: Strength training can help build muscle and increase bone density. You can do strength training exercises at home with dumbbells, resistance bands, or just your bodyweight.
- Swimming: If you have access to a pool, swimming is a great low-impact exercise that can help improve cardiovascular fitness and build muscle. You can also do water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.
- Jumping rope: Jumping rope is a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your coordination, balance, and footwork. You can do it indoors with a jump rope and a clear space.
- Home cardio equipment: If you have the space and budget, you can invest in home cardio equipment like a treadmill, elliptical, or rowing machine. We posted a link on Amazon to the most popular workout machines.
There are many other forms of indoor exercise that you can try, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
Conclusion
Running during fire season can be dangerous, but with proper precautions, it is possible to stay safe. By knowing the risks and taking precautions like checking the air quality, planning your route carefully and staying hydrated, you can reduce your risk of injury or illness and still enjoy your run.
Remember, safety should always be your first priority, so if in doubt, stay indoors and find an alternative form of exercise.
